A Peoria woman accused of murdering her boyfriend pleaded guilty Thursday.
According to Peoria County State’s Attorney Jodi Hoos, TNashia Wash, 20, pleaded guilty to the murder of 30-year old Roderick Richardson in Peoria’s West Bluff neighborhood in October 2023.
Richardson was reportedly shot multiple times and pronounced dead in his home in the 1200 block of North Ellis Street. Hoos said Wash admitted to killing Richardson, but claimed it was in self-defense.
Peoria Police reported to the West Bluff home on Oct. 16, 2023, on a report of a man being shot. They found Wash outside the home, stating she had shot Richardson. Police said they found Richardson inside, lying face down in a pool of blood; he was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to Hoos, Wash said she and her child were staying with Richardson when they began arguing and physically fighting with each other. She claimed Richardson threatened her with a gun, which Wash gained control of as the two continued to argue.
Police said Wash claimed Richardson charged at her, which is when she shot him. Richardson was struck twice in the front of his body and four times in his back. Investigators said none of the shots were fired at close range.
Hoos said Wash’s guilty plea means the state will limit her possible prison sentence to 35 years. Sentencing is scheduled for July 31.
